62-year-old Decatur sporting goods store sold to Moulton businessman
Jan. 20—Nolan Lang said the decision to sell the family sporting goods business of 62 years was not easy, but he just felt the time was right.
“I’m tired. Lang, 67, said that it was time to do something different. In mid-December, Lang sold Lang’s Sporting Goods of Decatur, to Moulton businessman Chris Terry (38). “Chris is a true go-getter who will put his all into the business. He reminds of me of a younger me. I made a good decision. It’s something I can live with. It will be beneficial for everyone, I believe.”
Vernon Lang, Lang’s Sporting Goods founder, was a Lawrence County High football player who later became a coach. Athens College had a team, and he played for the U.S. Army while stationed at Fort Rucker. Vernon Lang was later appointed Hatton High’s principal before he left the education industry to pursue the sporting goods sector.
Nolan Lang claimed that his father, Nolan Lang, opened Decatur on Bank Street on May 27, 1961. It moved to at the most five other locations, including in the Decatur Shopping Center’s former Grant’s Building.
Vernon Lang won the National Sporting Goods Retailer of the Year award in 1985. Lang went on to operate Lang’s franchises throughout the country, including in Athens. After facing financial problems, the company was forced to close its Decatur location in 1988. Nolan Lang took control of business operations.
Now, the store at 411 11th St. S.E. D2 Outdoors and Sports has been renamed. Terry, who is the owner of Dixie Diamond Sports, Moulton, explained that D2 stands for Dixie Diamond Sports No. 2.
Terry stated that his new store covers approximately 10,500 square footage with 4,500 square feet of retail sales.
Terry explained that he had been looking to expand his brand outside Lawrence County. In September, he reached out Lang to inquire about buying the business.
He said, “We were able reach an agreement.” “Expanding to Decatur was always a dream for me. … Customers will feel like they are part of a local community and not just another customer walking past the doors.
His Dixie Diamond store at Court Street in Moulton will remain open, he said. Danuelle Terry is his wife, and she will be the manager of the Moulton store. Since 2011, they have been the owners and operators of the Moulton store.
Chris Terry stated that the most significant change for customers at the Decatur store will be the sale of guns and fishing gear.
He said, “We’ll also be carrying lots of school clothing that customers can buy off the shelves.”
D2 will continue to feature embroidery and screen printing, as well as some sporting items.
“My wife is an artist and I’ll be adding banners, expanding the trophies and award categories,” he stated. “Nolan had a wonderful customer base and we plan to take that to the next level with my work ethic, vision, and passion.”
Terry recently completed the interior remodeling and painting of the store. Over the entrance, you will find the white D2 sign.
Terry said Lang’s employees will remain on board and that he is interested in expanding his staff. He stated that people with experience in graphic design and sales will be preferred.
He stated that the DTF (direct-to-film) process would open up more opportunities for corporate and retail customers. It changes the way you decorate. The DTF process transfers the prints onto fabric.
Lang also stated that Nancy Davis (the store’s long-serving bookkeeper) retired in December.
What’s next?
He indicated that he could move to Dauphin Island off the Gulf Coast and buy a boat bay. He stated, “I plan on going fishing down there and going hunting for white-tail Deer in southern Illinois.”
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